Florida Car Shipping Quick Facts (2026)
- Average Cost: $500-$1,500 depending on distance and season
- Transit Time: 1-4 days within Florida, 3-10 days nationwide
- Peak Season: October-April (snowbird migration = higher demand)
- Most Popular Routes: New York→Florida, Illinois→Florida, Ohio→Florida
- Best Value Months: May-September (off-season discounts available)
- Hurricane Season Impact: June-November (plan accordingly for delays)
- Top Destinations: Miami, Orlando, Tampa, Jacksonville, Fort Lauderdale
For reliable car shipping to and from Florida, Direct Connect Auto Transport delivers secure and efficient auto transport solutions with over 20 years of trusted experience. Whether you’re a snowbird escaping winter, relocating for work, or shipping a vehicle purchase, our licensed and insured carriers ensure your vehicle arrives safely at any Florida destination. Get your free quote today and discover why thousands choose our comprehensive Florida car shipping services.
Why Choose Direct Connect for Florida Vehicle Shipping in 2026
Florida auto transportation services present unique opportunities and challenges. From the massive snowbird migration that brings 1+ million seasonal residents to hurricane season logistics, Direct Connect Auto Transport has mastered Florida’s complexities. We understand peak shipping seasons, optimal routing through I-75, I-95, and I-4, and coordinate with carriers experienced in Florida’s diverse geography from the Panhandle to the Keys.
What Sets Us Apart:
Snowbird Specialists – We handle 50,000+ seasonal moves annually
Hurricane Season Protocols – Flexible scheduling and weather tracking
Florida Route Mastery – Expert knowledge of I-75, I-95, I-4, and Turnpike logistics
Military-Friendly Service – Serving MacDill AFB, Eglin AFB, and Naval Station Jacksonville
University Transport – Experienced with UF, FSU, UM, and UCF student moves
Our Florida Advantages:
- 24/7 Hurricane Monitoring during storm season with proactive rescheduling
- Dedicated Snowbird Team familiar with seasonal communities and timing
- Florida Insurance Expertise understanding state-specific coverage requirements
- Door-to-Door Service throughout all 67 counties
- Military & Student Discounts for Florida’s large military and university populations
How Florida Auto Transport Works – Simple 4-Step Process
1. Get Your Free Florida Quote
Receive personalized pricing in under 2 minutes. Our system factors in seasonal demand, route popularity, and current Florida market conditions.
2. Schedule Pickup Anywhere in Florida
From Miami Beach condos to Tallahassee suburbs, we coordinate convenient pickup times at your preferred location.
3. Professional Transport with Real-Time Tracking
Your vehicle travels on professional carriers with experienced drivers and comprehensive insurance. Track your shipment 24/7.
4. On-Time Delivery with Complete Inspection
We deliver directly to your destination with thorough inspection and all paperwork completed.
Most Popular Florida Auto Shipping Routes & Pricing (2026)
High-Demand Snowbird Routes:
| Route | Distance | Peak Season (Oct-Apr) | Off-Season (May-Sep) | Transit Time |
| New York → Miami | 1,280 mi | $1,200-$1,500 | $900-$1,200 | 4-6 days |
| Chicago → Tampa | 1,150 mi | $1,100-$1,400 | $850-$1,100 | 4-5 days |
| Detroit → Orlando | 1,080 mi | $1,000-$1,300 | $800-$1,050 | 3-5 days |
| Boston → Fort Lauderdale | 1,320 mi | $1,250-$1,550 | $950-$1,250 | 4-6 days |
| Minneapolis → Naples | 1,420 mi | $1,300-$1,600 | $1,000-$1,300 | 5-7 days |
Popular Regional & Cross-Country Routes:
| Route | Distance | Open Transport | Enclosed Transport | Transit Time |
| Atlanta → Miami | 650 mi | $650-$850 | $900-$1,200 | 2-3 days |
| Dallas → Orlando | 1,080 mi | $900-$1,200 | $1,300-$1,600 | 4-5 days |
| California → Florida | 2,400+ mi | $1,400-$1,800 | $2,000-$2,500 | 7-10 days |
| Washington DC → Jacksonville | 880 mi | $750-$1,000 | $1,100-$1,400 | 3-4 days |
Prices reflect 2025 market conditions, including fuel costs and seasonal demand fluctuations.
Top Florida Cities We Ship Cars To & From
Major Metropolitan Areas:
Miami-Dade County – International gateway with year-round shipping demand
Orlando – Theme park capital with massive tourist and seasonal resident traffic
Tampa-St. Petersburg – Major business hub and retirement destination
Jacksonville – Port city with significant military and logistics presence
Fort Lauderdale – Cruise capital with luxury vehicle transport needs
Popular Snowbird Destinations:
Naples – Luxury winter destination with high-end vehicle transport
Sarasota – Cultural hub attracting affluent seasonal residents
West Palm Beach – Exclusive communities with enclosed transport demand
The Villages – America’s largest retirement community (55,000+ residents)
Bonita Springs – Growing retiree destination near Fort Myers
University Towns:
Gainesville (University of Florida) – Major student vehicle transport hub
Tallahassee (Florida State) – Capital city with government and university demand
Miami (University of Miami) – Private university with luxury vehicle needs
Orlando (UCF) – Largest university in the US by enrollment
Florida Car Shipping Costs – What to Expect in 2026
Seasonal Pricing Patterns:
Peak Season (October-April): 25-40% higher demand = premium pricing
Hurricane Season (June-November): Potential delays may affect scheduling
Off-Season (May-September): Best rates with 15-25% savings available
Distance-Based Pricing:
| Route Type | Distance Range | Open Transport | Enclosed Transport |
| Within Florida | 100-500 miles | $400-$700 | $600-$950 |
| Regional | 500-1,000 miles | $650-$1,100 | $900-$1,500 |
| Long-Distance | 1,000-1,500 miles | $900-$1,400 | $1,300-$1,900 |
| Cross-Country | 1,500+ miles | $1,200-$1,800 | $1,700-$2,500 |
Vehicle Type Cost Modifiers:
- Standard Cars: Base pricing
- SUVs/Trucks: +$100-$200
- Luxury/Classic Cars: Enclosed recommended (+30-50%)
- Non-Running Vehicles: +$150-$250
- Oversized Vehicles: +$200-$400
Common Reasons to Ship a Car To/From Florida
Seasonal Migration (Snowbirds):
- 1+ million seasonal residents escape northern winters annually
- Popular states of origin: New York, Michigan, Illinois, Ohio, Pennsylvania
- Peak migration: Late October through early December (southbound), March-April (northbound)
- Average stay: 4-6 months, creating predictable shipping patterns
Military PCS & Relocations:
- MacDill Air Force Base (Tampa) – Special Operations Command headquarters
- Eglin Air Force Base (Northwest Florida) – Largest AF base by area
- Naval Station Jacksonville – Third largest naval installation
- Homestead Air Reserve Base – Strategic southern location
University & Education:
- Student moves for fall/spring semesters
- Faculty relocations for academic positions
- Graduate school transitions and research programs
Real Estate & Retirement:
- Retiree relocations for tax benefits and climate
- Second home purchases requiring vehicle transport
- Downsizing moves to 55+ communities
Business & Tourism:
- Cruise industry workers needing seasonal transport
- Tourism sector employment relocations
- Theme park employment (Disney, Universal, etc.)
Open vs. Enclosed Florida Auto Transport – Which to Choose?
Open Transport (Most Popular – 85% of shipments):
Best For:
- Daily drivers and standard vehicles
- Budget-conscious customers
- In-state Florida shipping
- Vehicles under $40,000 value
💰 Cost Advantage: 30-40% less than enclosed transport
⏱️ Availability: Faster scheduling, more carrier options
🌤️ Weather Exposure: Adequate protection for most Florida routes
Enclosed Transport (Premium Protection):
Recommended For:
- Luxury vehicles (BMW, Mercedes, Tesla, etc.)
- Classic and collector cars
- Hurricane season shipping (June-November)
- Long-distance routes over 1,000 miles
- Vehicles over $50,000 value
Protection Benefits:
- Complete weather protection from rain, hail, and UV damage
- Enhanced security with limited access
- Climate-controlled options available
- Higher insurance coverage limits
When Enclosed Transport is Worth It in Florida:
- Hurricane Season (June-November) – Protection from storms
- Luxury Snowbird Vehicles – Protecting high-end cars during seasonal moves
- Classic Car Shows – Florida hosts major collector events
- Long-Distance Transport – Cross-country protection
Preparing Your Vehicle for Florida Car Shipping
Essential Pre-Shipping Checklist:
Vehicle Cleaning & Documentation:
- Wash exterior thoroughly for accurate condition inspection
- Document existing damage with date-stamped photos
- Remove all personal belongings (insurance doesn’t cover contents)
Mechanical Preparation:
- Maintain ¼ tank of fuel (reduces weight, provides adequate fuel)
- Check tire pressure and ensure proper inflation
- Verify battery charge – vehicle must start and move during loading
- Disable car alarms to prevent activation during transport
Administrative Tasks:
- Remove SunPass and E-ZPass toll tags
- Provide two working sets of keys
- Keep registration, insurance, and ID accessible
- Note any special operating instructions for the driver
Florida-Specific Considerations:
🌀 Hurricane Season Planning (June-November):
- Monitor weather forecasts for potential delays
- Consider flexible scheduling during active storm periods
- Ask about carrier protocols for weather-related route changes
🏖️ Coastal Delivery Considerations:
- Salt air exposure during transport (minimal impact with professional carriers)
- Beach community access restrictions (some areas limit large vehicle access)
- Seasonal traffic patterns affecting delivery timing
Top 5 Florida Car Shipping Considerations for 2026
1. Hurricane Season Planning (June 1 – November 30)
Florida’s hurricane season requires special consideration for vehicle transport. Professional carriers monitor weather patterns and have protocols for route adjustments. If shipping during peak hurricane season (August-October), consider flexible scheduling and discuss weather contingency plans with your transport company.
2. Snowbird Migration Timing
Peak snowbird season (October-April) creates high demand and premium pricing. Book 3-4 weeks in advance during peak season. Off-season shipping (May-September) offers significant savings but fewer carrier options. Consider shoulder seasons (May and September) for the best balance of pricing and availability.
3. Florida Vehicle Registration Requirements
New Florida residents must register vehicles within 30 days of establishing residency. Florida requires a VIN verification, proof of insurance, and emissions testing in certain counties. The state also has specific insurance requirements that may differ from your previous state.
4. Toll Road Considerations
Florida has extensive toll roads including Florida’s Turnpike, I-95 Express Lanes, and local toll systems. Remove all electronic toll tags before shipping to avoid charges during transport. Consider obtaining a SunPass for convenient travel once your vehicle arrives.
5. Insurance and Hurricane Coverage
Review your auto insurance policy before shipping to ensure Florida compliance and maintain coverage during transport. Some policies include additional coverage for hurricane-related damage, which may be valuable during storm season. Verify that your transport company has appropriate coverage for weather-related delays or damages.
Florida Car Shipping Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to ship a car to Florida?
Florida car shipping costs range from $400-$1,800 depending on distance, season, and transport type. Snowbird routes from northern states typically cost $900-$1,500 during peak season (October-April) and $650-$1,200 during off-season (May-September). In-state Florida shipping ranges from $400-$700.
When is the cheapest time to ship a car to Florida?
The most affordable time is May through September (off-season) when you can save 15-25% compared to peak snowbird season. Hurricane season (June-November) may have some delays but often features competitive pricing due to lower demand.
How long does it take to ship a car to Florida?
Transit times vary by distance: in-state Florida (1-4 days), southeastern states (2-5 days), northeastern states (3-7 days), and cross-country routes (7-12 days). Popular snowbird routes like New York to Miami typically take 4-6 days.
Can I ship my car during hurricane season?
Yes, professional carriers have weather monitoring protocols and route adjustment procedures. While delays are possible during active storms, most shipments proceed normally. Consider flexible scheduling and discuss weather contingency plans with your carrier.
What's the difference between open and enclosed transport in Florida?
Open transport is cost-effective and suitable for most vehicles, while enclosed transport provides complete weather protection recommended for luxury cars, classic vehicles, or hurricane season shipping. Enclosed transport costs 30-50% more but offers superior protection.
Do you serve all Florida cities and counties?
Yes, Direct Connect provides door-to-door service throughout all 67 Florida counties, from major metros like Miami and Orlando to smaller communities in the Panhandle and Keys. We coordinate with local carriers familiar with specific area requirements.
Are there military discounts for Florida bases?
Yes, we offer military discounts for active duty personnel and veterans. We frequently serve MacDill AFB, Eglin AFB, Naval Station Jacksonville, and other Florida military installations with specialized PCS and deployment transport services.
Can I ship to/from Florida's islands and Keys?
We provide service to accessible areas of the Florida Keys via US-1. Some remote island locations may require ferry access or alternative arrangements. Contact us for specific island destination requirements and logistics.
Ready to Ship Your Vehicle to Florida?
Get your free Florida car shipping quote today. Direct Connect Auto Transport makes vehicle transport simple, affordable, and stress-free with transparent pricing, no hidden fees, and over 20 years of trusted experience serving Florida residents and seasonal visitors.
Three Easy Ways to Get Started:
📱 Instant Online Quote – Get pricing in under 2 minutes
📞 Call Our Florida Specialists – 800-980-2222
📧 Email Quote Review – Detailed estimates within 24 hours
Payment Options:
💳 Deposits: All major credit cards accepted
💰 Final Payment: Cash, cashier’s check, or money order on delivery
Whether you’re joining the million+ snowbirds who call Florida home each winter, relocating for career opportunities, or shipping a vehicle purchase, Direct Connect makes your move stress-free with safe, reliable solutions tailored to Florida’s unique transport needs.
GET YOUR FREE FLORIDA CAR SHIPPING QUOTE TODAY
FLORIDA AUTO SHIPPING REVIEWS
Direct Connect Auto Transport is rated 5 of 5 stars on TransportReviews.com by over 130 satisfied customers.
Popular Routes
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Duluth, Minnesota to Jacksonville, Florida
St. Petersburg, Florida to Fort Lauderdale, Florida
Shipping Cars from Florida |
| Florida to Nebraska Auto Shipping |
| Florida to Ohio Auto Shipping |
| Florida to Hawaii Auto Shipping |
| Florida to New Hampshire Auto Shipping |
| Florida to Arizona Auto Shipping |
| Florida to Texas Auto Shipping |
| Florida to North Carolina Auto Shipping |
| Florida to Iowa Auto Shipping |
| Florida to Michigan Auto Shipping |
| Florida to Pennsylvania Auto Shipping |
| Florida to New York Auto Shipping |
| Florida to Arkansas Auto Shipping |
| Florida to Minnesota Auto Shipping |
| Florida to Mississippi Auto Shipping |
| Florida to Massachusetts Auto Shipping |
Shipping Cars to Florida |
| Ship a car from New Jersey to Florida |
| Ship a car from Oregon to Florida |
| Ship a car from Virginia to Florida |
| Ship a car from Delaware to Florida |
| Ship a car from New Mexico to Florida |
| Ship a car from Indiana to Florida |
| Ship a car from South Dakota to Florida |
| Ship a car from Illinois to Florida |
| Ship a car from Montana to Florida |
| Ship a car from Florida to Florida |
| Ship a car from Louisiana to Florida |
| Ship a car from Alabama to Florida |
| Ship a car from Connecticut to Florida |
| Ship a car from Missouri to Florida |
| Ship a car from Washington to Florida |
Vehicle Shipping in Florida Information
Who is liable if my vehicle is damaged?
If your vehicle is damaged during transport with Direct Connect Auto Transport, the independent trucking company responsible for transporting the vehicle will be primarily liable, as they are required to have insurance coverage for such incidents. Direct Connect Auto Transport may assist in the claims process but is not liable for damages except in cases of gross negligence or intentional misconduct. Any damage claims must be noted upon delivery and reported in writing within 15 days.
Liability varies based on various elements, please review our terms and conditions.
Transportation Services |
| Automobile Transport |
| Motorcycle Shipping |
| Truck & SUV Transportation |
| Classic Car Transport |
| Boat Shipping Services |
| Car Hauling |